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They say it’s seven years.
“If a friendship lasts more than seven years, then it’s a true friendship.” That’s what they say. Chongyun often wonders why it’s seven years. It doesn’t make any sense. Why is “seven” so special? (Shenhe tries to tell her nephew it’s because the number symbolizes completeness.) From a (flawed) logical point of view, Chongyun disagrees.
From a personal point of view, Chongyun also disagrees.
His best friend is Xingqiu, his next-door neighbor who moved in just a few weeks ago. They’re best friends, “childhood” friends, the truest pair of friends anybody will ever find. They’re joined at the hip, close as a nut, like two peas in a pod.
Just a few weeks, and they’re the best of friends.
“Hurry up, Xingqiu,” Chongyun shouts over his shoulder, impatiently half-waiting for his more proper, ex-city friend who’s currently trying to carefully – heavy emphasis on carefully – step over every rock and pebble. The light-blue haired boy forgives Xingqiu, though, since he knows that just until a few weeks ago, he had been stuck in an all-boys elite academy (Not just school, academy) as a rich kid. The little town with the dusty streets and hills was probably a big change.
When they finally make it to the top of the hill – “we have trekked through the deepest valleys, fought beasts, and survived with little to no food and water to get to the peak of this great mountain!” Chongyun proclaims – Xingqiu smiles.
It’s a soft, gentle smile. Not too big, not too rowdy. It’s polite and respectful, the type his old teachers had drilled into his mind every waking minute. It showcases his modesty and humility, all the while full of dignity and pride. It sets off his charming amber eyes beautifully. It’s perfect in every way, shape, and form.
It’s the very kind Chongyun is trying to avoid.
He wants to see his friend burst out in a grin, topple over in boisterous laughter. He doesn’t want his friend looking so stiff, restricted. Like someone’s watching his every move. Like he’s going to be judged, evaluated for how he’s smiling.
It’s a simple smile, for Pete’s sake!
It’s an expression. It’s how humans convey the feeling of joy, of pleasure, of bliss. So Chongyun frowns when all Xingqiu does, as he looks up at the pretty bunch of fir trees, is give him that restrained, polite smile.
“What a wonderful sight,” the younger boy says simply.
“That’s… it?” Chongyun asks, disappointed and not afraid to show it.
Brows furrowed in concern, Xingqiu tilts his head to the side ever so slightly. “What do you mean? I think the view here is beautiful. Thank you for showing me.”
“I mean…” he starts, “don’t you know what a group of fir tree symbolizes?”
The other boy’s eyes brighten up. “Oh! Long-lasting friendships, right?”
“Don’t you think it’s cool?”
“Splendidly cool.”
Chongyun’s frown returns as he kicks the ground. “You could show a little more excitement, you know.”
For a second, there is silence. Then, unexpectedly, Xingqiu laughs. It’s not the type of booming laughter Chongyun wants to hear, but it’s no doubt a beautiful sound, a harmonious string of melodious notes woven together carefully and intricately.
“I show excitement differently, dearest Chongyun. I am indeed very happy,” he assures his friend. “Thank you truly for bringing me here.”
Before the other can protest, Xingqiu gives him another gentle smile (but perhaps Chongyun can see more emotion this time) and says, “Let’s be friends forever.”
Chongyun agrees.
Seven years later, Xingqiu moves.
Chongyun never got to see him smile freely or laugh the night away.
Hey, Xingqiu!!
How have you been?? Is it hard going back to that stiffy elite school? I really miss you. It’s lonely here now… Aunt Shenhe says I shouldn’t bother you too much but do you think you’ll come visit during winter break? We could go back to the hill and make wishes again. It’s your turn to ask Xiangling for free food, remember? I don’t want to get chased out by her dad again…
Are you really busy? Do they give you a lot of homework? I can’t even imagine. I’m glad my parents are country folks and don’t make me go to elite schools like yours. Oh, sorry! I like your parents too; your mom is nice and your dad is funny and so is your brother, but it must be hard, sometimes, huh? Don’t die from over-working Xingqiu… That’d be really bad, you know.
I know we can talk my email, but the connection always cuts over here. Besides, isn’t writing letters more fun? Even though it’ll probably take a while to send and get back. Write yours soon, Xingqiu, so I don’t have to wait years to get it back! And visit when winter break comes!!
-Chongyun
[Xingqiu’s letter arrives promptly. Chongyun doesn’t bother trying to pronounce the return address.]
Dearest Chongyun,
I was so glad when I received your letter. I miss you too, friend! The people here have no sense of humor. I tried pranking this person who wasn’t very nice and he called the principal on me. His own loss I guess :P [the attempted emoticon on paper was messy] It’s quite busy here. I like Mr. Zhongli back at home a lot better. Remember the time Xiangling brought in osmanthus wine and he didn’t even get mad? He looks quite serious but he’s actually nice.
I’ll definitely visit during winter break! There’s nobody who’s half-decent over here anyway. I can say sure now, but we both know that you’re going to be the one to ask Xiangling for free food, hehe. Don’t hold back on the spicy food… No worries, I don’t plan on dying anytime soon! At least, not before you do! I get you; I also wish I didn’t have to be sent over here. These teachers are mean and the students… don’t even get me started on them.
How have you been, Chongyun? I hope you’re well! How is your studies? And how has your parents and your aunt been doing? I wish them good health, and to you as well. Stay safe and don’t catch a cold. It’s getting quite chilly these days. You’ve always been more tolerant of the cold than heat, though, right?
Your friend,
Xingqiu
[Chongyun responds immediately.]
Hi!!
So great to hear from you!!! Why are you always pranking people, Xingqiu… That’s not very nice, you know. Maybe if you didn’t try to wreak havoc every second, people would warm up! But then again, you never had trouble making friends, so don’t worry! It’s a time issue. You’ll feel like you’re home in no time! Speaking of Mr. Zhongli, I just remembered all those times you tried to trick our poor teacher. And after everything he’s done for us!
Yay!!! I can’t wait for winter break then! I will NOT be sacrificing myself again just to get a dish covered in Jueyun Chili!! You know I can’t stand spicy foods! Why do I have to die first- Oh, well just look forward to winter break then!! You can do itttt! Heart be pure, evil be erased. Mind be purged, world be… uhm I always forget that last part. I guess I still do, heh.
I’ve been good, and so have Mom, Dad, and Aunt Shenhe. They all say hi. Uhh… studies have been fine too… I think. It’s not really fun anymore ‘cause you can’t be my partner in science projects and we can’t study together anymore so it’s been kind of hard for me. You too, don’t catch a cold and then get stuck in your stuffy school for winter break!
-Chongyun
When winter break comes, Xingqiu breaks his promise and doesn’t visit.
Chongyun waits for several weeks.
Xingqiu’s letter didn’t come.
Hey, Xingqiu.
What happened? Are you all right? You’re probably busy, right? Is that why you didn’t come for winter break? Did my last letter get lost in the mail? Hope you’re doing well and hope I’m not disturbing you. I miss you a bunch. Been a long time since we last met, huh? It’s really cold over here; is it the same where you are? If so, don’t get a cold. Happy studies I guess?
-Chongyun
[Three months later, Xingqiu’s letter comes. Before that, Chongyun sent another one in a panic]
Dear Chongyun,
I am incredibly sorry. I did not mean to leave you on hold for so long, but my studies suddenly became a lot busier. I apologize profusely. It’s warming up again over here, and I hope it is for you as well. How have you been these past few months? I hope all is well with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Xingqiu
[He doesn’t mention the fact that he never came “home” for winter break]
Hey Xingqiu!!!
It’s totally fine, just glad you’re okay!! Remember, you can’t die until I do! I get you, even I’m getting a bit busy, so you must have a bunch of work, huh? Don’t overwork yourself, though. It’s not healthy! Haha, you know what they say, “in like a lion and out like a lamb”. And wasn’t it “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers”? So yeah… it’s really windy and rains a lot these days.
We’ve all been great! We love the rain, so it’s perfect for us. How are you and your parents and your brother? Is the boarding rules strict? Like do you get to see your family when it’s not holidays or ? Has anyone warmed up to your pranks? Wishing you the best.
-Chongyun
Xingqiu’s letter never comes.
Ever.
So Chongyun decides, that summer, that he’ll pay a visit since his friend is much too busy. It’s a long trip and it took a bit to convince his parents, but in the end, he got his ticket on that bus, the bus that’ll reconnect him with his childhood, best friend and everything will be back to normal again.
When he steps off the bus, a mountain of Jueyun Chilis resting comfortably in his backpack, he’s faced with the enormous brick building. A wrought-iron gate, adorned with the school's crest, opened onto a cobblestone path that led to a majestic main building. This structure, with its timeless architecture, was a masterpiece of stone and marble, adorned with towering columns that seemed to touch the very heavens.
A verdant courtyard stretched before the entrance, immaculately cut and lush with fragrant flowers in full bloom. Students in crisply pressed uniforms stroll purposefully along these paths, their presence adding to the sense of solemnness that surrounded the school.
Chongyun is overwhelmed.
But then he hears.
The voice is silky and elegant. It’s poised and proper, but kind and gentle. The laugh is like his every other laugh – harmonious string of melodious notes woven together carefully and intricately. It’s restrained, but it’s still beautiful, wonderful.
It’s Xingqiu.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spots his childhood best friend and he whirls around.
He wishes he never came.
His childhood friend, his best friend is talking and laughing with two other people, dressed in the same strict uniform Xingqiu is wearing. The three have the same smile, the same laugh, the same eyes. They look like fools, like the puppets they are. They’re letting themselves be restricted, letting themselves be hidden behind the polices and rules their idiot teachers have ingrained into their brains.
But Xingqiu looks like he’s right at home, in between these two fools.
And it hurts.
They say it’s seven years.
“If a friendship lasts more than seven years, then it’s a true friendship.” That’s what they say. From a (flawed) logical point of view, Chongyun disagrees. Xingqiu clearly decided to prove to them that it was a lie (Shenhe tries to tell her nephew that people change.)
From a personal point of view, Chongyun knows it’s a lie.
He had experienced first-hand the lie. They had been friends for more than seven years. They had shared the majority of their childhood together. They had cried together, smiled together, laughed together. They had been the best of friends.
Or.
Maybe not.
Maybe their friendship had ended way before anything had a chance to start.